CS2 patch notes (May 16, 2025): Deathmatch changes, graphics update, and more

A new set of CS2 patch notes has been released on May 16, 2025. This change has brought forth one of the most anticipated updates to a core game mode within the title. Deathmatch, the go-to mode for a player to warm up, has received a major overhaul to its team balancing system, and fans are all for it.

This article will explore the latest update and what players can expect from the changes incorporated in the game. Read below to know more about the CS2 patch notes for May 16, 2025.

CS2 patch notes for May 16, 2025

Here are the latest release notes for May 16, 2025:

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[ GAMEPLAY ]

Deathmatch mode now allows unbalanced teams.

[ GRAPHICS ]

Fixed a case where Molotov and incendiary fire was visible through the AK-47 viewmodel.
Fixed a case where stickers covering the gap on the front grip of the AK-47 weren't lit correctly in left hand mode.
Fixed a case where inventory item icons rendered incorrectly while scoped in-game.

[ AUDIO ]

Shortened front end of the AK-47 fire sound.
Reduced delay for body shot impact sounds from the attacker perspective.
Body shot impact sounds from the attacker perspective will momentarily reduce the volume of weapon fire and ambience to help ensure feedback remains audible.

The biggest change brought forth by the latest CS2 patch notes undoubtedly is the incorporation of unbalanced teams in the game. A majority of players prefer to warm up with the AK-47, for its relentless recoil, and the one-shot headshot potential that it offers. In contrast, Counter-Terrorist weapons have a faster fire-rate, but do not possess the same one-shot headshot effect that their counterpart does.

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Now, since CS2's Deathmatch never offered unbalanced teams, players were stuck on the CT side with no possible way to access the Terrorist arsenal. The latest change will allow players to choose any faction they want, and there will no longer be any requirement to balance the Terrorist and Counter-Terrorist numbers in the game mode.

Alongside these changes, the developers have also incoroporated a set of quality-of-life improvement updates for both audio and graphical functions. These will undoubtedly enhance a player's experience of playing the game.

Check out: s1mple joins FaZe Clan ahead of CS2 Austin Major in a shocking roster move

For more related news, stay tuned to Sportskeeda's esports section.

About the author

With a bachelor's degree in History and pursuing Law at the moment, Sportskeeda Esports & Gaming writer Jay Sarma may not have an ideal connection to the journalism world. However, his sheer passion for gaming has helped him rack up close to 2 million reads and is fast approaching the thousand-article mark.

Jay always strives to provide the most accurate information after cross-checking multiple sources. His coverage focuses exclusively on FPS titles such as COD, Apex Legends, Valorant, Counter-Strike, and Overwatch. It was Counter-Strike that sparked his love for competitive esports, and presently, Apex Legends is his favorite multiplayer title.

He enjoys watching ALGS (Apex Legends Global Series) during tournament seasons and loves to observe how each team plays out different strategies in the competitive scene. His favorite organization is Falcons, but he also roots for Team Luminosity solely because of pro player sweetdreams.

In his free time, he loves to soak in the serenity of nature with walks and runs. He is an avid gardener as well.

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Edited by Jay Sarma